"The Athenian Bowling League"

On page twelve, there is a paragraph about the "Athenian Bowling League." I understand what you are saying, that no matter who one is, the only thing that matters to the bowling league it that fact that you are a bowler. I would have to disagree. The society may have been created for bowlers to get together and play the game, but the league is affected by its members, who are people with other things in their lives that affect them other than bowling. When someone joins the league, they are probably not going to completely erase their personality and simply become a bowler while they are with the group. They remain the same person, which does affect the other members, and essentially, the league.

Also, on page six, what was the "disturbing abuse" of the Spartans to the natives? Weren't the Spartans the natives?

Teachers

In the second paragraph on page 16, you state that the teachers should be the ones teaching, not the law, but since the law controls the teachers they actually are the ones teaching. However, you leave out a few key points. For example, you are solely discussing schools. Yet there are many different ways and places to teach.
One of the left out ideas is homeschooling, the grounds of this being the parent teaching their children. Therefore, the parent can guide the child to grow up in the way the parent believes is best. This method leaves the law behind, and allows the parent (teacher) the reigns in the development in the children.
The second idea is in a different definition of teacher. A teacher can be one who shows a child new things and, in the case you are trying to make, gives the child room to think and ask questions. A person like this could be anyone. Not only a teacher of school or a parent, but a sibling or friend, or a parent’s friend. I have learned much not only through my mother and teachers, but through my friend’s parents, my sisters, my coaches, and my friends themselves. None of these people are controlled much by the law.
Overall, the point you make is true in the light you show it in. When you branch out, there are many different options for the role of a teacher in accordance with the law.

Grief or Pleasure

In chapter 13, at the beginning of the fifth paragraph, it says, "Againe, men have no pleasure, (but on the contrary and great deale of griefe) in keeping company, where there is no power able to over-awe the all. For every man looketh that his companion should value him at the same rate he sets upon himself..."

I do not see how man may have no pleasure being with each other if there is not a person ruling over them, for that is what I gather from the first part of this paragraph. I how ever can not agree with this, as will most people. Humans are very social and enjoy others company. Some people ( teenagers for example) do not like it when there is a power over them while they are with friends. They enjoy the freedom of not being restricted and doing things with their peers.

However, I do agree with the point that he makes in the end. Everyone whats to be valued by who they really are. Or at least how they think they are. But this can go to ways. One can thing they are more important than they really are, or less important. These both can be bad for you, but people seem to enjoy that, which is the point Hobbes is trying to make.

Liberty and Dominion

In chapter 17, in the first paragraph, it says, "The finall Cause , End, or Designe of men, (who naturally love Liberty, and Dominion over others,) in the introduction of that restraint upon themselves, (in which we see them live in Common-wealth's,) is the foresight of their own preservation, and and a more contented life thereby; that is to say, of getting themselves out of that miserable condition of Warre..."

Is Hobbes saying that men, "(who naturally love Liberty and Dominion over others)" always live in Common-wealth's (cities)? I'm pretty sure that village people also prefer liberty over slavery, and I'm also pretty sure that there were mastrers and slaves who lived in villages in Hobbes' time. I know that Aristotle says one can not be fully human without living in a city, but I think Hobbes has taken this to the next level. Only men (or women) in cities can love liberty and dominion over others? Those are two very human qualities which I don't think are restricted to the more philosophical society.

What comes with age?

In chapter 13, near the little 61 mark, Hobbes says, referring to intelligence and prudence, "I find yet a greater equality amongst men, than that of strength. For prudence, is but Experience; which equal time, equally bestows on all men, in those things they equally apply themselves to." I disagree with this. I have met many adults that have less prudence then some of my friends have. I have also met some teenagers who have less prudence than some of my 11-12 year old friends. So Hobbes can not say the prudence comes with years, because that is not always the case. Therefore, why would he say that?

No friends? How sad...

On page 129, chapter 17, Hobbes says, "And as small Families did then; so now do Cities and Kingdoms which are but greater Families (for their own security) enlarge their Dominions, upon all pretences of danger, and fear of Invasion, endeavor as much as they can, to subdue, or weaken their neighbors, by open force, and secret arts, for want of other Caution, justly; and are remembered for it in after ages with honour."

Whoa - is Hobbes saying that neighbors (being nearby cities of course) can only be enemies? Did he ever hear of a wonderful word called 'allies'?

Granted, many countries have hostile relationships. That's what war is all about. But, it's not always every country for themselves. Absolutely countless times, countries have teamed up to defeat their common enemy. Hey, sometimes countries even help other countries simply because they feel morally obligated. And countries have worked together tons of times, even if it wasn't for benefit of war. Trading between countries has been going on for thousands of years, way before Hobbes was born.

What is Hobbes talking about when he says, "...endeavor as much as they can, to subdue, or weaken their neighbors, by open force, and secret arts..."? He makes it sound like if you're not with the certain city or kingdom, then you have to be against them.

Hobbes wasn't a very trusting or optimistic guy, was he?